| Louis Untermeyer, ed. (1885–1977). Modern British Poetry. 1920. | | | | Robert Louis Stevenson. 1850–1894 | | | | 13. Winter-Time | | | | LATE lies the wintry sun a-bed, | | | A frosty, fiery sleepy-head; | | | Blinks but an hour or two; and then, | | | A blood-red orange, sets again. | | | | | Before the stars have left the skies, | 5 | | At morning in the dark I rise; | | | And shivering in my nakedness, | | | By the cold candle, bathe and dress. | | | | | Close by the jolly fire I sit | | | To warm my frozen bones a bit; | 10 | | Or with a reindeer-sled, explore | | | The colder countries round the door. | | | | | When to go out, my nurse doth wrap | | | Me in my comforter and cap; | | | The cold wind burns my face, and blows | 15 | | Its frosty pepper up my nose. | | | | | Black are my steps on silver sod; | | | Thick blows my frosty breath abroad; | | | And tree and house, and hill and lake, | | | Are frosted like a wedding-cake. | 20 |
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